The Finest .45 ACP Pistols of 2024

Developed shortly earlier than the primary world battle, the .45 ACP quickly turned one of the widespread pistol cartridges on the planet. It was the longest serving sidearm cartridge america has ever fielded, and solely topped worldwide by the 9mm. Shooters have lengthy been drawn to the .45 ACP for its energy, efficiency, and nostalgia. Although the traditional auto cartridge has seen its day within the solar, it’s historical past and the varied spectrum of the most effective .45 ACP pistols which might be nonetheless going sturdy will hold its legacy alive for a few years to come back 

Choosing the Finest .45 ACP Pistol for You

There’s a large market of .45 ACP pistols on the market, however what’s “greatest” all will depend on the standards. Primarily based on the pistols we’ve had in earlier gun assessments or used ourselves, I chosen a superb discipline to focus on nice choices for various tastes and functions. If the most effective .45 for you isn’t on this checklist, it’s seemingly going to be much like certainly one of these pistols.

Finest .45 ACP Pistols: Evaluations and Suggestions

Finest Traditional: The GI-issue 1911 A1

See It

Specs

• Motion: Single motion, hammer fired
• Barrel Size: 5.03 inches
• Capability: 7+1
• End: Parkerized
• Sights: GI, metal, low profile
• Value: Varies

Execs

• Traditional unique design
• Fight confirmed
• Plenty of aftermarket elements and upgrades out there
• Good originals are collectible

Cons

• GI sights aren’t nice for low-light use

If there’s a .45 of all .45s, it’s the GI-issue 1911 A1. That is the unique platform that the cartridge was designed for, and was standard-issue from 1911 to 1985. It remained in some type of lively army service for practically 100 years. That testomony alone speaks to the platform’s effectiveness. 

The 1911-A1 and the .45 ACP cartridge had been born out of a need for a extra highly effective and efficient handgun cartridge. It was a beloved sidearm and spawned a plethora of 1911 variants which might be nonetheless going sturdy at present. The 1911 is actually one of the influential handgun designs in historical past. We examined a World Conflict II classic Remington Rand 1911 A1 in our 2023 1911 take a look at, and it was each charming and efficient.

Some unique 1911 pistols can nonetheless be bought by way of the CMP as tons turn out to be out there, and these collectibles can fetch a hefty value. Fortuitously, fashionable replicas of the unique design are nonetheless out there — often starting from $500 to $900. The unique 1911 A1 design was a bit crude by fashionable requirements, however it was efficient. Most pistols featured a parkerized end, wooden or artificial grips, and a single-stack, 7-round journal. These pistols had been touted for his or her reliability, and accuracy, however have since been up to date elements that provide higher ergonomics, and extra seen sights.

Finest Trendy 1911: Nighthawk Customized Hearth Hawk

See It

Specs

• Motion: Single motion, hammer fired
• Barrel Size: 4.5 inches
• Capability: 8+1
• Sights: Serrated notch rear, gold dot entrance
• Value: $4,519

Execs

• Wonderful ergonomics
• Finest-in-class match and reliability
• Nice Accuracy
• Compensator drastically reduces muzzle flip

Cons

• Very Costly
• No optic lower

If cash isn’t any subject, the Nighthawk Customized Hearth Hawk is without doubt one of the nicest 1911 pistols that you can probably purchase. It’s a pistol that appears flawless and performs simply as properly. Each element constructed into this pistol has a function. Its scalloped grip panels present very good traction for a repeatable grip and the muzzle compensator blends completely with the strains of the body and slide. 

The Hearth Hawk isn’t lower for an optic, however encompasses a serrated black rear sight that’s adjustable for windage, and a 14K gold bead entrance submit. At first look, this looks like nothing greater than an prosperous flex, however we shot the hell out of this gun and that gold bead is shockingly sharp and visual in a wide range of mild circumstances. Fellow tester and USPSA GM, Sean Murphy, and I may hardly put this gun down, and whether or not burning by way of Invoice Drills or plinking very important zone plates at 50 yards, our urge for food was insatiable. 

This was one other entry to our 1911 take a look at, and all of us questioned if a 1911 may actually be definitely worth the hefty asking value for this pistol. Objectively, you’re getting one thing for that cash. The Hearth Hawk stood out above all different rivals and that additional value and labor is within the particulars. The gun is sort of fully hand-fit and tuned, and there isn’t a pointy edge or nook to be discovered. In the event you’re in search of the last word .45 ACP pistol, this shall be proper on the high.

Finest Semi-Customized 1911: Wilson Fight ACP

See It

Specs

• Motion: Single motion, hammer fired
• Barrel Size: 5 inches
• Capability: 8+1
• Sights: Serrated notch rear, fiber-optic entrance
• Value: $3,285

Execs

• Traditional 1911 really feel
• Great reliability
• Wonderful Accuracy
• Wonderful iron sights

Cons

• No entrance slide serrations
• No optic lower

One other favourite .45 ACP pistol from our 1911 take a look at was Wilson Fight’s ACP, which stands for “American Fight Pistol.” We categorize this as a semi-custom pistol as a result of the client does have a menu of choices to select from, however it’s nonetheless a manufacturing gun. In our 1911 take a look at, the ACP was certainly one of our favorites. 

It sports activities a subtly improved traditional 1911 look with glorious fashionable sights: a serrated rear notch and fiber-optic entrance submit and customary profile slide and body. Ours had a 5-inch barrel with a barrel bushing and no-snag grip scales. The stainless barrel contrasts with the black end, including to its utilitarian aesthetics.

For dealing with traits, a few of our take a look at workforce would have preferred to see entrance cocking serrations on the slide, however it wasn’t some extent of competition for anybody. This pistol shoots nice, and turned in the most effective teams of our 1911 take a look at, averaging 1.193 inches for 10 5-shot teams at 15 yards. In the event you’re in search of a finely-crafted 1911 that’s simply as well-suited for being a day-to-day workhorse, you’ll have a tough time beating a Wilson Fight. 

Finest Hid-Carry 1911: Springfield Armory TRP CC

See It

Specs

• Motion: Single motion, hammer fired
• Barrel Size: 4.25 inches
• Capability: 7+1
• Sights: U-notch rear, tritium entrance
• Value: $1,900

Execs

• Good ergonomics
• Bobbed Body
• Sturdy End
• Accent rail

Cons

In the event you’re wanting on the 1911 platform as an on a regular basis concealed-carry gun, fashions corresponding to Springfield’s new TRP Carry Contour. These single-stack compact 1911s have a 4.25-inch barrel, cast slide and a light-weight aluminum body. Essentially the most notable characteristic of this pistol is the bobbed body, eliminating the portion of the body that’s prone to print on clothes or jab into your mushy underbelly — properly, mine in any case. Regardless of the bobbed body, the pistol nonetheless presents loads of actual property to determine a agency, recoil-controlling grip.

The TRP CC comes with a Cerakote end, glorious VZ grip scales, and U-notch rear and tritium entrance submit iron sights. The entrance strap of the grip has an aggressive high quality checkering to help your grip, and the rear has a pleasant beavertail grip security. One good characteristic of the TRP CC is the accent rail that many 1911 pistols nonetheless lack. It comes with three seven-round magazines and is a wonderful concealed-carry possibility.  

Finest .45 ACP Pistol for Avid gamers: H&Okay USP Tactical 

See It

Specs

• Motion: Single/double motion, hammer fired
• Barrel Size: 5 inches, threaded
• Capability: 12+1
• Sights: Adjustable notch/submit
• Value: $1,440

Execs

• Traditional 1990’s .45 ACP pistol
• Good reliability
• Suppressor prepared
• Extra compact than the Mark 23

Cons

• No optic lower
• Primitive accent rail

Generally nostalgia is an element after we decide weapons we like (simply have a look at the 1911), and for any shooter who grew up within the 90s, the H&Okay Mark 23 and USP Tactical are in all probability in your radar. The Mark 23 was well-known for being issued to Navy Seals throughout that point interval — at the least that’s what we believed as youngsters — and the USP was launched as a barely extra compact, lighter pistol that’s nonetheless very comparable. 

The USP Tactical is a .45 ACP pistol that sports activities clear German strains and simple-but-effective operate. They’re correct and dependable, and the threaded muzzle is simply begging to your favourite pistol suppressor. The USP pre-dates the optic craze, so there’s no optic lower, and the accent rail is primitive by at present’s requirements. It does characteristic customary iron sights which might be adjustable for windage and elevation, and the pistol can match 12 girthy .45 ACP cartridges within the journal. This was a big bump in comparison with the 1911, which was wrapping up its service life when the Mark 23 and USP got here on scene.

The USP Tactical isn’t a wholly related pistol anymore, however it’s one which many shooters nonetheless search out. Although smaller than the Mark 23, it’s nonetheless beefy and never a terrific match for shooters with smaller arms. 

Finest Workhorse .45 ACP Pistol: Glock G21 Gen 5 MOS

See It

Specs

• Motion: Single-action, striker-fired
• Barrel Size: 4.6 inches 
• Capability: 13+1
• Sights: Customary Glock square-notch rear, white dot entrance
• Value: $621

Execs

• Easy, rugged, and dependable
• Modular backstrap
• Excessive-traction body texture
• Optic-ready

Cons

• Triggers are comparatively stiff

When speaking about the most effective .45 ACP pistols, the Glock G21 is an apparent torchbearer within the striker-fired class. Initially launched in 1990, following the 10mm Glock G20 (in Glock’s order of succession), the G21 has a historical past of confirmed service with many regulation enforcement businesses. In 2023, the platform acquired some a lot wanted upgrades with the Gen 5 MOS version.

This full-sized striker-fired .45 ACP pistol makes use of the identical body because the 10mm G20 and has {a magazine} capability of 13 rounds. Its characteristic units are according to principally each different Gen 5 MOS Glock pistol and embody elimination of the finger grooves, up to date recoil spring, and modular backstraps. Many shooters will recognize the addition of entrance cocking serrations and the combination of Glock’s MOS optic mounting system, which makes use of a sequence of plates to permit the slide to accommodate totally different crimson dot optics. Together with the accent rail, it retains this pistol related and makes it simpler than ever. You gained’t see among the refinement of the high-end 1911 pistols, however that was by no means the intent for this, or any Glock.

Different Nice .45 ACP Pistols

Springfield XD-S Mod 2 OSP

See It

Specs

• Motion: Single-action, striker-fired
• Barrel Size: 3.3 inches 
• Capability: 5+1, 6+1
• Sights: U-Notch Rear, white-dot entrance
• Value: $392

Execs

• Slender and compact
• Dependable
• Low lower for micro crimson dot optics
• Inexpensive

Cons

Springfield’s Croatian-made XD sequence has been a gentle presence in the marketplace for a few years, and their single-stack XD-S Mod 2 OSP is a wonderful possibility for somebody in search of a striker-fired concealed-carry .45 ACP pistol. This XD-S comes with two magazines, one holding 5 rounds that encompasses a small pinkie extension on the bottom plate, and one other with an prolonged base plate that holds 6 rounds. Controls are the identical as you’ll discover on bigger XD-series pistols, and each the slide cease lever and journal catch button are barely recessed and protected against unintended activation.

This XD-S encompasses a grip security, set off bar security, and a drop security within the striker block itself. It’s additionally optimized for the fashionable shooter with an optic lower that accepts micro crimson dot sights and permits them to sit down low sufficient to co-witness the manufacturing unit iron sights, which include a black serrated rear U-notch and a white-dot entrance submit. Capability is that this pistol’s best weak point, however that’s the value you pay for a sub-compact .45. Obtainable at below $400, it’s a terrific finances possibility.

Sig Sauer P320 Compact .45 ACP

See It

Specs

• Motion: Single-action, striker-fired
• Barrel Size: 3.9 inches 
• Capability: 9+1
• Sights: Siglite three-dot evening sights
• Value: $650

Execs

• Nice ergonomics
• Good sights
• Plenty of aftermarket mods

Cons

In the event you’re a fan of Sig’s P320 platform however need a .45-caliber possibility, the P320 Compact is for you. This pistol options the identical nice ergonomics and grip angle because the 9mm fashions, however in .45 ACP. Just like the 10mm fashions, the good factor is that the general grip dimensions aren’t fatter or extra cumbersome than 9mm fashions like these we see in Glock’s lineup. That is nice for capturing and dealing with, however it does lower down on capability. Nonetheless, at 9+1 rounds, the pistol is a formidable instrument and nice possibility for hid carry. 

There isn’t any optic lower on this P320 mannequin, however it has glorious three-dot evening sights and an adjunct rail for a tactical mild. It is a fairly fundamental P320, however because of the platform’s design, you’ll be able to simply improve elements with a set off from KGM applied sciences, and a GoGun gasoline pedal that will help you flatten out muzzle flip. 

FN FNX-45 Tactical

See It

Specs

• Motion: Double-action/single-action, hammer fired
• Barrel Size: 5.3 inches 
• Capability: 15+1
• Sights: Three-dot tall evening sights
• Value: $1,200

Execs

• Good ergonomics
• Wonderful capability
• Optic prepared
• Suppressor prepared

Cons

Among the finest .45 ACP pistols at present is the full-sized FN FNX-45 Tactical. This isn’t a gun you’ll in all probability be holstering in your waistband, however it boasts a superb capability of 15+1, and a full-sized characteristic set. The FNX-45 Tactical has a threaded 5.3-inch barrel that’s prepared to simply accept a suppressor, and fitted with accompanying tall three-dot evening sights. It has a low bore axis to assist the shooter fight recoil and encompasses a minimally angled grip with interchangeable backstraps.

The FNX-45 is a double/single-action pistol that, when de-cocked, has a double-action first set off pull. The hammer is rounded and serrated, and each the entrance and rear of the slide have cocking serrations. The slide is lower for an optic however, like most different pistols, comes with a canopy plate put in. Some optics will enable the shooter to co-witness the tall iron sights by way of the optic, an added windfall in case the optic does go down.

What to Think about When Selecting a .45 ACP Pistol

The largest factor to contemplate when purchasing for a .45 ACP pistol (or any gun) is your meant software or function. You need to discover a gun that’s inside your finances, fulfills its function, and that satisfies your private style. Would you like a pistol that’s good for self protection, an off-the-cuff plinker, or a collectible? 

In the event you’re in search of a self-defense gun, will or not it’s to hold hid or keep at dwelling or in a automobile? Bigger pistols are typically simpler to shoot properly, but when it’s a gun you’re going to hold day by day, you in all probability need one of many compact choices. Your function may also have an effect on what equipment you may want (like a lightweight or laser). 

One of the best factor you are able to do is go to an indoor vary that has pistol leases out there so that you can attempt. You gained’t actually understand how properly you want a gun till you get to really shoot it, and a few vary time with a particular pistol will help you make a way more knowledgeable resolution. Subsequent greatest is visiting a gun store and seeing how every totally different pistol feels in your hand and the way simply you’ll be able to function the controls. 

Recap of Our Picks for The Finest .45 ACP Pistols

FAQ

Remaining Ideas on The Finest .45 ACP Pistols

The .45 ACP is a feather in America’s cap that can by no means completely wither, however the 9mm has decisively overtaken it because the cartridge of alternative. There are nonetheless numerous good pistols being chambered in .45 Auto, however choices are typically changing into extra restricted. In the end, I feel that among the greatest .45 ACP pistols, and those that can carry the cartridge into the longer term are the 1911s — and I wouldn’t have it some other method.